Managing Instruction and Technology
My proposed instructional design project plan is to create a digital arts program for Post University. This plan would introduce specific technology to students that includes: introduction to iMac computers and software, training with Adobe Suite software, and using new technology to create personal works of digital art that can serve as a strong skill that would benefit potential job opportunities. This project would include a creation of a computer lab designed specifically for the use of digital arts classes and can also include digital photography courses. According to Project Management for Instructional Designers (Wiley, et al, n.d.), project management is “the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.”
This project includes the creation of new courses which will require a comprehensive instructional design initiative. Newly designed digital arts classes will require new, online Blackboard shells. The instructional design tasks also include finding methods to infuse classes with learning new technology relevant to digital art and design. The ADDIE model of instructional design seems to fit this project best, as the creation of a new set of classes has a definitive beginning and end, while evaluation can continue in the future (Cheng-Chang (Sam) Pan, 2012).
This 8-week project was my first attempt at using the ADDIE model with a practical, hands-on application. I found myself referring back to many sources I found on what it was, what it means, and how it works. Take a look at this video which I think best visually illustrates how to use the ADDIE model in instructional design:
As an artist and art instructor, it should come at no surprise that I am a visual learner. Through this process of developing a project and brainstorming all of the steps, constraints, risks, and benefits, one lesson resonated throughout: know your audience. Part of knowing your audience is understanding what type of learners your stakeholders may be and accommodating these differences. Here’s a helpful infographic describing each learning style and how you can adapt presentations to accommodate all of them (because, let’s be honest: we don’t always know how our audience learns differently, so it’s best to hit all learning types as much as possible):
And, finally, I found it most helpful to research how projects can fail, and what a project manager can do to prevent it. I have found that effective communication is the most important aspect of project management during the execution and control phases. I found this helpful article that pinpoints the most common reasons why projects fail, and I’ve discovered that the key to addressing these issues is to actively and openly communicate with stakeholders:
https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/15-causes-of-project-failure.php
15 Causes of Project Failure
Parts of my communication plan includes proactive “push” methods of communicating as well as “pull” methods (Lou Russell, 2015). The push methods would include emails, meetings, phone calls, etc. For the pull method, I would create a website which I would update frequently with up-to-date information on the progress of the project. Through the execution phase, if any risks present themselves, I can keep all stakeholders current with new information, both by using a website and by alerting them when there is new information for them to see.
All in all, I found this course to be most helpful in my future career goals. Before, I didn’t realize how complicated project management was, or, how important. Many steps throughout had me initially thinking that the process was overkill, or that I was expected to read the future. Instead, I have discovered that successful project management relies on diligence, passion, and respect for the process.
References
Fosdick, C. (2018, Jul. 22). ADDIE model of instructional design. [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxShaB4R0d8
Nakano, C. (2016, April 29). The four different types of learners, and what they mean to your presentations. Prezi Blog. Retrieved from: https://blog.prezi.com/the-four-different-types-of-learners-and-what-they-mean-to-your-presentations-infographic/
Pan, C.-C. (2012). A symbiosis between instructional systems design and project management. [article]. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 38(1) 1-10.
Russell, L. (2015). Project management for trainers. Ed.: 2nd edition. Alexandria, VA: Association for Talent Development.
Symonds, M. (2011, Jun. 13). 15 causes of project failure. Project Smart. Retrieved from: https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/15-causes-of-project-failure.php
Wiley, et al. (n.d.). Project management for instructional designers. Pressbooks. Retrieved from: https://pm4id.pressbooks.com/front-matter/about-this-book/
Tracy Collamore PLE Project 